Different Types of Freight Shipping Options

Freight is shipped by a variety of different modes of transport from trucks to airplanes, boats to vans, and everything in between. In large cities shipments can even be found transported via bicycle carrier. When it comes to shipping freight for businesses however this is usually done using freight trucking companies that specialize in LTL, (less than truckload), TL, (truckload) or dedicated trucks. The type of carrier and method of transportation your company chooses will on which service best fits the needs of your company and customers.

Less than Truck Load

The most popular option when shipping freight is less than truckload. LTL shipping allows freight to be shipped by trucks to and from your location. It is a reliable option that is affordable and timely. Your shipment will share a truck with other shipments going to locations close to your designation thus sharing the expenses associated with transporting freight.

Dedicated Truckload

Another option that is popular is dedicated truckload shipping. This is when an entire truck is dedicated to a certain type of commodity and makes the necessary accommodations needed to properly move the shipment from one location to another. Often times, dedicated truckloads involve shipments that must be kept refrigerated, in a temperature-controlled environment, handled specifically because of hazards that are posed by the shipment, or those shipments that are oversized and require special support services to move the item from one spot to another.

Full Truck Dedicated

Another option is when your shipment requires a full truck dedicated specifically to your product. FTL shipping is often faster than LTL as it doesn’t require your shipment to be transferred to other smaller shippers for delivery but is not the least expensive option by far. This freight shipping option is the best for cargo that requires refrigeration, controlled climate, a flatbed, is oversized, or unpackaged.

When it comes to which shipping method is right for your business and satisfies your customers needs it is important to take into consideration how much product you will be shipping, any special needs such as refrigeration needed to care for the shipment, the time in which you for it to be delivered, and other special requirements. Utilizing the best shipping method for your freight will increase your customers experience with your company.

Matrix Transportation is the fastest growing freight transport company in the Midwest, founded in 2009. As an up and coming industry leader in freight management including shipping, warehousing, and cross docking services with the highest quality transportation solutions for the manufacturing and automotive industries. More information can be found at http://www.matrixtransportation.com/.

These Bad Habits Can Harm Your Eyes

Our eyes are arguably the most important of our five senses. Even though we know this there are a few bad habits that all of us are guilty of that can severely damage our eye sight. There are some bad habits that don’t really seem to pose a major threat like biting your fingernails but there are others like not flossing or smoking that can literally cause our teeth to fall out. When it comes to these 4 bad habits that affect our eye sight it is crucial that we take the steps necessary to stop the impact they have on our vision.

Screen Time

It is hard in the world that we live in now to not spend a ton of time in front of a screen. Whether its for work or pleasure, a cell phone, computer, or television the amount of time we spend focused on the screen can harm our eyesight. Screens emit a blue light that has been known to be a contributor of eye strain. To avoid the strain that screens put on your eyes it is advised to take frequent breaks throughout the day. This will help your eyes rest and prevent the strain from causing permanent damage to your eyesight.

Eye Rubbing

There are several reasons that rubbing your eyes can be harmful to your vision. First off, our hands are constantly touching surfaces that are covered with germs. These germs are easily transferred from our hands into our eyes exposing them to god knows what we have picked up along the way.

Cornea damage is also possible from the constant motion of rubbing your eyes. Damage done to your eyes cornea often results in the loss of vision. If you are rubbing your eyes to rid them of debris, it is important to remember that your eyes will automatically produce tears if your eye needs to wash away foreign elements your eye is exposed. To properly care for your vision, try to keep your hands away from your eyes as much as possible. If you find this impossible keep your hands clean using soap and water or anti-bacteria hand wash.

Sleeping with Makeup On

It is inevitable that after a late night we accidentally fall asleep with a full face of makeup on. Not only is this terrible for your complexion it can be incredibly harmful to your eyes. It is important to make a habit out of removing all makeup from your face at the end of the day. Makeup collects a wide range of bacteria throughout the day that transfers to your pillow case if not washed off properly. This greatly reduces your risk of developing an eye infection.

Forgetting Sunglasses

We have all heard about how UV rays affect our skin but what about our eyes? Sunglasses are a popular accessory that really are a necessity in protecting your eyes not only from the damaging UV rays but also to exposure of direct sunlight as well as wind. Damage from exposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration.

Play it safe and head these warnings from local ophthalmologists on the harmful effects of improperly caring for your eyes.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs. As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses. More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

What’s the Difference Between Reverse Osmosis and Water Softening

There are several options available to homeowners looking to improve the quality of the water in their homes but don’t know how to. There is a lot of confusion when it comes to treating water because of the vast array of options available in the market. In residential use the two most common treatments used are water softeners and reverse osmosis systems.

Determining what the right option for your household comes down to understanding what is accomplished with each treatment option. The only way to really know what needs to be done to improve your homes water is to have it analyzed through thorough water analysis. Often this process only requires a small sampling of water from each of the sources throughout your home.

Reverse Osmosis

Often reverse osmosis and filtration are lumped together. A reverse osmosis system filters the water leaving it tasting better and healthier. RO is especially popular for homeowners with wells. This type of water treatment system is set up to remove contaminates and softened minerals by pushing them through an attached filter. As with most water treatment systems you can install a whole-house or point-of-use RO osmosis system.

Benefits of Reverse Osmosis

Tasteless Water: Often times tap water will have a funny taste. You won’t be able to pin point what the taste is however, a RO system removes the source therefore the water will taste better.

Chemical Free: RO drinking water systems do not use any special chemicals in the filtration of the water which makes its use environmentally friendly.

Softened Water: Minerals in the water cause hard water. A whole-house RO system creates softer water which leads to less pipe corrosion.

Odor and Color Removal: Many homeowners experience odors and colors in their tap water. The odors and colors occur from contaminates and minerals in the water. A RO system is used to take the pollutants out of the water which leaves you with higher quality drinking water.

Most often you see whole-house RO systems installed in homes with well water as it can benefit from the extra filtration. If water from the tap tastes or smells funny and is from a city water source, then your water may benefit from a point-of-use RO system that is installed under the sink.

Water Softeners

Water softeners and water conditioners are often lumped into one category. Instead of removing contaminants and minerals from the water like a RO system does, a water softener uses a process of ionization that replaces calcium ions and magnesium with salt ions.

Water that is hard has higher concentrations of minerals like magnesium and calcium. When a water softener is installed your homes, water replaces the minerals that make it hard with a softer mineral, sodium.

Benefits of Soft Water

Better, More Natural Tasting Water

More Vivid Colored Laundry with Less Yellowing

Cleaner, More Sanitary Dishes and Flatware

Appliances That Last Longer with Fewer Repairs Needed

Fewer Clogged Pipes

There are many problems caused by hard water. Installing a water softening unit can help lessen these issues. These units do not remove contaminants within the water as they are not filtration systems however, they are perfect for homes that experience problems with pipe corrosion, iron, staining, and more.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more. More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.

General Radiotherapy Machines

The most common machine used to distribute external beam radiotherapy treatment is known as a linear accelerator or LINAC for short. LINAC systems generate high energy x-rays that are carefully aimed at the cancerous tumors. This process is done with much care given to direct the rays in a manner that does as little harm as possible to the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. Linear accelerators are used to treat cancerous tumors on all areas of the body.

Some LINAC systems that are more advanced have the capability to deliver radiation on or near the surface of the skin. In this type of treatment electrons are used in replacement of high energy x-rays.

Newer linear accelerators have the ability to deliver radiation using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, IMRT. These systems use multi-leaf collimators adjust the shape of the radiation beam to match the shape of the tumor. Without these adjustments LINAC systems would only be able to shoot radiation beams in the shape of a square or rectangle.

Radiographers all have different methods that they use to make sure the radiation treatment is targeting the exact location of the cancerous tumor. In its most fundamental form radiation is just a plain x-ray. Most linear accelerators work through digital imaging where the bottom arm of the machine takes an EPI, electronic portal image, or PI, portal image.

The image is compared by radiographers, to images that were generated during the planning process of your treatment as a type of checks and balances before treatment is delivered. The quantity of images that are taken to compare between depends on the departments protocol for imaging. Different types of radiotherapy treatment machines have an On-Board Imager, OBI, that is comprised of a Kv x-ray and detector. Higher quality images are obtained as a verification which allows for another radiotherapy technique known as Image Guided Radiotherapy, IGRT. With IGRT the accuracy of treatment is improved as daily changes are accounted for such as changes in organ location which can in turn reduce unpleasant side effects.

Electrons are generated and speed up to almost as close to the speed of light using electrical fields. The energy continues to increase until it collides with its intended target and then releases the photon energy. These photons enter the patient in an attempt to break down the DNA cells in the cancerous tumor. Healthy cells are most often able to mend themselves where as the cancerous tumors don’t and eventually die.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment. Radparts provides high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.

Home Remodeling: Preparing Your Home for Sale

There is a major difference in marketing a fixer upper verse a move in ready home. Each has its own unique market with fixer-uppers fetching less for sellers and most often taking longer to sell than similar turn-key properties. If home improvement projects aren’t your thing but you are looking to sell your home quickly it may be beneficial to hire a contractor to help tackle some of those simple projects, you have been avoiding. The money spent now on exterior home improvements and small renovations will come back ten-fold with the sale price of your home and quick turnaround.

Below is a list of minor home remodeling project ideas that will help to increase the sale price of your home and decrease the time it takes to sell it.

Fresh Paint –

Adding a fresh coat of neutral paint to your homes walls appeals to almost all home buyers. Even adding in a fresh layer of paint on exterior trim and decking can add appeal and help sway buyers who are on the fence between two similar properties.

Curb Appeal –

Everyone knows that first impressions are everything. No matter how hard we try not to judge a book by its cover, we just can’t stop. This is true of your home as well. Take time to ensure that your homes first impression will be a good one. Freshen up the landscape, add welcoming elements to the porch such as lighting and seating, and perhaps even a new front door.

Updated Lighting –

The installation of more natural lighting can never hurt your homes chances of being sold quickly and at asking price. Home remodeling experts recommend modern, energy-efficient options over track lighting and older outdated styles.

Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures –

There are just some stubborn stains that won’t come out of tubs and sinks. This can be a real turn off to buyers. Refinishing the tubs surface is just one way to add that sparkle back to your bathroom. New, unsoiled plumbing fixtures is another, both really bring a new, cleaner appeal to your bathroom. The same is true of fixtures in the kitchen and laundry areas.

New Flooring –

Although a bit costlier than some of the above-mentioned projects new flooring can really change the look and feel of a home. Replace broken tiles, replace worn out carpet with new, and polish those hardwood floors.

There are many major home remodeling projects that should wait to be taken on by the new buyer as they require more personal touches and may not even be important to them. Small, neutral updates don’t radically alter the appeal of a home therefore enhancing it without structurally changing it.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services. More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.

Trends in Kitchen Remodeling That Are Here to Stay

Just like avocado colored appliances the popularity of stainless steel will fade. It’s true, most kitchen and bathroom remodeling trends eventually fade out of existence as quickly as they found their way in. There are however a few trends that will withstand the test of time in your kitchen and bath.

Kitchen Cleanliness

When it comes to cleanliness in the kitchen we are not talking about germs but instead the design of the space. Kitchen design trends that stand the test of time work with clean lines. Open shelving, cabinetry with glass doors or flat fronts, and overall simplicity is what keeps a kitchen from looking cluttered. Kitchen designs should offer enough storage for unsightly, infrequently used appliances. Counters should be clear of as much “stuff” as possible to promote this trend.

Neutral Color

Neutral kitchen spaces are something that never gets old. What gets old is brightly painted cabinetry and colored appliances. To create a kitchen that doesn’t show its age it is important to keep the colors simple. White and black appliances are always in style and are easy to enhance as trends cycle in and out.

Dark Cabinetry

If you have ever had white cabinets or any light-colored cabinetry you will understand that it is difficult to keep them clean. Unless you have hours on end to spend cleaning your kitchen it is best to stick with the ever-stylish look of dark cabinetry. The use of exotic dark woods is another option that we find never seem to become outdated.

Appliances That Blend

It is important, especially in open kitchens that the appliances used blend into the entire space. A home that flows from room to room never ages. The more “hidden” appliances are, the more likely they will blend right in as another piece of furniture within the space. No longer are large scaled ranges and huge steel refrigerators necessary. Instead opt for long lasting pieces that conceal themselves within the design.

Ageless Designs

Once upon a time there was this fascination with moving from one home to another. People didn’t want to live in the same home for more than five to seven years. Today however, homeowners are looking into ways to keep their homes ageless. They want to live in the same space forever, more commonly known as ageless design, universal design, or age in place renovations. This means making sure your kitchen design is universal. Layered lighting, counters of multiple heights, drawers that pull out, and kitchen cabinets hardware that is easily opened are all design options that will withstand the test of time.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan. Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services. More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

Safety Hazards Within the Manufacturing Industry

Manufacturing seems to be a term that covers several different companies within a wide range of industries. With such a wide variety of businesses, manufacturing facilities have a vast number of operational and safety practices they follow. There is a specific organization known as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that sets forth standards and compliance regulations for manufacturing facilities to help avoid common safety issues found within the sector.

Even though there are several different industries that make up the manufacturing sector they share a few safety concerns including:

Falls

Falls are the most common accidents that occurs within the United States. The frequency of falls makes this the number one hazard found within the workplace, especially within manufacturing facilities. Falls represent a serious risk for workers. They can lead to death or injury; most falls will require at least a few days off work to recover from. It is of the utmost importance that manufacturing facilities take special precautions to avoid falls throughout their facilities.

Machine Guarding

Heavy machinery is operated throughout many different types of manufacturing facilities which is why it is so important that proper guarding procedures are followed to keep workers safe. Improperly installed guards on machines presents a major hazard to the safety of employees. To keep manufacturing workers safe while operating large scaled equipment proper safety features are installed.

Electrical

Even when individuals are not directly working with electricity, such as you do as an electrician or engineer, there are still plenty of electrical risks involved in manufacturing. Many manufacturing facilities use a system of bus ducts, plugs, and shut offs to avoid industries from electrocution. Electric panels are kept secured in manufacturing locations as well to increase safety. Large scaled equipment is also inspected and kept up to date with the use of reconditioned electrical components on a regular basis that helps keep equipment running smoothly before a chance of failing occurs. Standards are in place from OSHA regarding electricity to lessen the risks involved within manufacturing facilities.

Undertrained Employees

Employees that are not properly trained for the position they are in is a problem found not only in manufacturing. Facilities are only as safe as the people that are working within them. It is crucial that proper training is done regularly on all pieces of equipment that workers may encounter in your facility. When machines are replaced or even upgraded for that matter, employee re-training should be mandatory. Exposure to proper safety training will help keep all employees throughout the facility safe. Practicing procedures that are in place are just as important as training. Take the time to run regular tests involving the safety procedures to ensure that they are properly executed before it becomes vital.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com. To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

The Best Style of Fencing for Homeowners with Pets

There is no doubt about it, the safety of your pets is as important as any other member of the family. This is just one of the many reasons it is important when choosing a fence for the perimeter of your yard or to enclose your swimming pool that you are cautious to purchase an option that is pet friendly.

Aluminum Fence Panels for Pets

When choosing a fence that is safe for your pet it is important that it is also stylish and compliments your home and landscape. Aluminum fence supplier, iFenceUSA.com, offers 18 different styles of aluminum fencing, all of which can be fitted with puppy pickets to add an extra layer of protection from the outside world and your pet. Aluminum fence panels not only serve a purpose but are aesthetically pleasing as well.

Not only are aluminum fence panels great for backyard spaces they are often used in commercial settings. Often veterinary clinics have fenced in spaces that allow pets to wander around outside without running away. Aluminum fence panels with the addition of puppy pickets are a perfect option for both homeowners and in commercial settings.

Aluminum fence panels with the addition of dog fence panels are perfect from keeping puppies from escaping from in between or under the pickets while also being tall enough to prevent them from climbing over them. Aluminum is also durable enough that even the most ambitious pup can’t chew through it.

Breeds and Ability

Anyone who has ever owned a dog or is considering a dog for their family must understand the breeds natural demeanor. Does the breed have the ability and desire to escape from a fenced in property? Some breeds are naturally good at staying within their designated space while others will do whatever it takes to escape. Your goal as a homeowner choosing a fence is to find an option that prevents escape from either over or under.

Walkway Gates

Many escapes occur because of an improperly latched gate. When choosing an aluminum fence panels for sale, it is important not to forget the gate. Aluminum gates have additional hardware that can be purchased that helps to ensure the fence is never unexpectedly left open. When shopping for a gate it is crucial to get an aluminum gate that is both self-closing and self-locking.

Your pet’s safety is as important inside as it is outside. This is just one of the many reasons that aluminum fence panels are the right option when enclosing the backyard for your family friend.

iFenceUSA is an online manufacturer and distributor of wholesale aluminum fencing. With over 18 styles of aluminum fence panels and gates to choose from, we have aluminum fences that will meet your wants and need. Choose from custom aluminum fencing options including: Commercial Grade Aluminum Fencing, Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing, Pool Grade Aluminum Fencing, and Industrial Aluminum Fencing all at https://ifenceusa.com/. For more information contact one of our aluminum fence experts toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.

What Occurs When You Ignore a Leak in Your Roof

Asphalt shingling is the most common material used to roof homes throughout Michigan. Shingles are not only inexpensive, but they are also low-maintenance and roofing contractors have been installing them for over a century. When properly cared for a shingle roof can last between 20 to 40 years, depending on the specific product that is installed. No roof will last forever no matter what material it is made from, however there are things you can do to help especially if the roof is compromised and a leak occurs.

Ignoring leaks in your homes roof can lead to bigger problems for homeowners. A leak in your shingles will not ever repair itself, no matter how much you beg it to. Water entering your home from your roof will wreak havoc when it is left to soak into the insulation and ceiling. The longer the repair is ignored the costlier the damage will be to repair.

Dealing With Mold

One issue that occurs with leaks is that the chance of mold growing increases substantially. A small leak may just leave a few water stains at first but slowly start to turn into mold growth thus a bigger, more expensive problem to deal with. Water leaks turn any space into a perfect location for mold growth.

Not only is mold unsightly to look at it can also make you sick especially if you are plagued by asthma and allergies. Even without being troubled with these afflictions exposure to mold can cause irritation to your skin, eyes, throat, nose, and lungs leading to more health problems for you, your family, and pets.

Mold may also cause the life expectancy of your roof to decrease. Seeing that replacing your homes roof is costly, homeowners want to put this process off as long as they possibly can. Thus, making your roof last as long as possible, is often a priority for most homeowners. One way to do this is by taking the time to have small leaks fixed as they occur. Small leaks that get ignored, small or large, will weaken the structure of the roof. This will mean that the homes roof will need to be replaced much sooner than it would have if you didn’t ignore the leak in the first place.

It is important to have your homes roof properly inspected twice a year and properly repaired. This will help to assure that is a leak is or has occurred it can be taken care of immediately before it becomes a larger issue.

Home Pro Roofing of Michigan offers professional roofing services including new roof installation and roof repair services using shingling and metal roofing materials. The roofing contractors of Home Pro Roofing service Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas. More information can be found online at https://homeproroofingmi.com.

Essential Tips When Planning A Wedding

As a wedding planner there are million and ten pieces of advice we want to give to all our brides as they tackle the process of planning their big day. Below you will find just a few of our wedding consultants most indispensable secrets!

Guests

Our first and most critical piece of advice has to do with your guests; those individuals who you deem most important in your life. There is no hard rule when it comes to the number of people you invite to your wedding, who to include, and where the cut off should be. Invite as many or as few guests as you desire, just make sure to have enough space for everyone. For every guest the venue should have approximately 25 square feet of space for each guest. If you plan on having 300 guests, it is important to find a space that is 7,500 square feet or more. This allows plenty of room for seating, staff, entertainment, and activities.

Black Out Dates

If you are planning on having out of town guests, it is important to be sure there are adequate accommodations for all of them. Before booking anything check the local events calendar. If there is an annual tree lighting, charity run, or conference in town the same weekend you want to get married it may be beneficial to make other arrangements. If the date is unable to be changed look into a different location. There are going to be certain dates within the year where area hotels will not have availability. The last thing you want is for your guests to be unable to attend due to lack of accommodations.

Mother Nature

Unfortunately, the weather is an element that is outside everyone’s control. Your vision may include a beautiful outdoor wedding with a late-night reception in a white tent on the lawn of your childhood home. This grand vision is perfect in every way except that you are dead set on a wedding in the middle of July in Michigan where the weather is often hot, humid, and unbearable outside. Guests are likely to skip out early if they are uncomfortable. We have seen the weather scenario play out not only due to heat but also the cold. When you are planning your wedding, it is crucial that you take into account all of the scenarios mother nature is known to dish out. Outdoor summer weddings need to consider the heat and bugs. Fall weddings should consider the potential for drastic differences in the temperature from the intense hot Indian summer day that is known to occur in the middle of October to that ever-possible flurry. Have a few plans in place: one for the picture-perfect day of your dreams, one for the worst weather situation possibly imagined, and one that meets in the middle.

Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget. We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events and milestone celebrations. More information can be found online at http://www.eventplanningdc.com